Among the many materials for individual construction, consumers choose the most reliable ones, including those in terms of fire resistance. When comparing materials, modern options leave traditional wood and brick behind. For example, a SIP panel has a lower flammability than the building materials we are used to.
Which is safer - tree or SIP panels?
SIP panels are less flammable material than wood. When ignited, expanded polystyrene emits much less hazardous substances and heat than wood with the same weight. You should always take into account the difference in the weight of these materials - with the same volume, expanded polystyrene weighs 30 times less. In addition, for the ignition of polystyrene foam, a temperature is needed that is 2 times higher than for wood. This indicates a greater fire hazard of the tree.
Self-extinguishing expanded polystyrene is used in the production of SIP panels. It burns for no more than 1 second. It cannot be set on fire with a match, it will not ignite from a butt falling on it. Self-extinguishing expanded polystyrene burns in one case - if it is in an already active fire. This material itself cannot be a source of fire.
What materials are resistant to combustion
There are no building materials that are not afraid of fire. A fire is possible in any house, since it is not the walls that burn, but what is inside the room. It is the interior decoration and furnishings of the house that allow the fire to actively spread. In every house there are many things and materials that, when burned, emit toxic substances. In more than 90% of cases, people die as a result of poisoning by combustion products of what is in the building (furniture, carpets, interior decoration, etc.). Provided that there is something to burn in the house, the material of the walls is not so important.
Of course, putting out a fire in a brick house is easier than in a wooden one. In a large fire in a wooden house, only the foundation will survive, and the walls will also remain in the brick, but they will lose up to 70% of their strength, so they will still have to be demolished. Even if the firefighters manage to extinguish the house before the brick walls burn out, all internal equipment will have to be replaced - ceilings, communications, roof. And the smell of fire will also remain, so it will be very unpleasant to live in such a house. Experts advise to demolish the house completely after a fire and rebuild it on the old foundation.
Let's solve the problem with flammability
3 simple, cheap and reliable ways to significantly improve the fire-resistance properties of SIP panels:
- sheathe with plasterboard sheets;
- sheathe with gypsum fiber boards;
- plaster.
To fully appreciate the high fire-fighting properties of SIP panels and expanded polystyrene, it is necessary to strictly adhere to technical norms and standards. You need to buy building materials only from official manufacturers who give a guarantee for their products. To confirm the quality and safety of materials, official manufacturers always present a certificate. Carefulness in the choice of materials and the choice of quality, rather than the cheapest products, reduces the risk of fire. High-quality expanded polystyrene and SIP panels with its use are a low-combustible material that is safe for use in low-rise individual construction.
